FACT SHEET 2

SSA, SSI, SSDI ʹ

WHAT͛S
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THE DIFFERENCE? c
ÔÔ
ÔÔ
ÔÔ ʹ WH Ô HE FFERENCE?
SSA, SSI, SSDI, SDI, Medicare, Medicaid, Medi-Cal. So many acronyms
sound so much alike yet represent programs that differ greatly.
ÔÔ = ÔC  ÔECUR  NÔR N
This is the Federal agency that administers SSI and SSDI, Retirement Benefits, among others.
ÔÔ = ÔUPPE EN  ÔECUR NC E
This is a needs based program. To qualify you must have a medical/mental health condition
that prevents you from any Substantial Gainful Activity (work) for a minimum of 12 months
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have little or no income and fewer than the required work credits for SSDI eligibility.
Personal assets may include 1 home (in which you live), 1 car and less than $2,000 in
accumulated assets: Savings, Checking, 401k, 403b, IRAs, Cash Value Life Insurance, etc.
SSI-linked Medi-Cal comes with and SSI approval. It is No-Share-of-Cost Medi-Cal.
In California, in 2010, an individual who lives independently with cooking facilities and is
eligible for SSI will receive $845.00 per month in total income.
The visually impaired will receive $908. Additional sums are available depending upon living
situation and family dynamic. Check www.ssa.gov for further information.
ÔÔ = ÔC  ÔECUR Ô B NÔUR NCE
SSDI is available to those who have a disabling illness/condition and who have accrued at
least 40 ͞work credits͟. In 2010, one credit is accrued for each $1,120 of earnings, up to the
maximum of four credits per year.
FICA (Federal Insurance Contribution Act) deductions from payroll checks pays for Social
Security Retirement, however, if you become disabled prior to retirement age, SSDI becomes
available to you.
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There is a five month waiting period after approval before payments begin. Let͛s say you
apply in January and you are approved in February. Your waiting period would then extend
through July, you are eligible for payment in August, the payment arrives in early September.
SSDI recipients are eligible for Medicare after 24 months (or the equivalent in retroactive
payment) of SSDI payments. See www.ssa.gov for more information.

For further information go to www.dhcs.ca.gov or call

Pacific Clinics Benefits Establishment @ 626-254-5000
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